Lock

Abstract

A door lock has a frame in which a knob spindle is mounted for rotation about an axis. The spindle can be prevented from rotation on the frame by a bar movable along the axis into and out of a position in which the bar engages both the frame and a slot in the spindle. The bar is moved by a spring and by a manual button mounted in an inside knob on the frame. The spindle can also be prevented from rotation on the frame by a pin radially movable on the frame into and out of a position in which the pin engages both the frame and the spindle slot. The pin is moved by a spring and by an arcuate electromagnet disposed coaxially of the spindle and having a polepiece in position to influence an armature on the pin. The customary key-operated lock is installed in an outer knob fastened onto the spindle.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A lock having a frame, a knob spindle mounted on said frame for rotation about an axis, means for preventing said rotation of said spindle including a pin movable on said frame in a direction radial to said axis between a first position holding said spindle against rotation relative to said frame and a second position freeing said spindle from said frame, a spring urging said pin toward one of said positions, an electromagnet substantially arcuate in shape and having a pole positioned to urge said pin against said spring and for urging said pin toward the other of said positions, and means mounting said electromagnet on said frame coaxially around said spindle. 
     
     
       2. A lock as in claim 1 in which said frame includes a hub coaxially surrounding said spindle and said mounting means surrounds and engages said hub. 
     
     
       3. A lock as in claim 2 including means for holding said mounting means and said hub against relative rotation. 
     
     
       4. A lock as in claim 1 including a coaxial hub on said frame and having an axially and radially limited depression therein, an arcuate mounting means of resilient material adapted to surround said hub and having a lug resiliently movable into and out of said depression, and means on said mounting for supporting said pin for radial movement. 
     
     
       5. A lock as in claim 4 including means on said mounting for supporting said spring in abutment with said pin. 
     
     
       6. A lock having a frame, a knob spindle mounted on said frame for rotation about an axis, a pin, means on said frame for mounting said pin for radial movement thereon between a first position in engagement with said spindle and holding the same against rotation on said frame and a second position free of said spindle, an armature on said pin, an arcuate electromagnet, means mounting said electromagnet coaxially on said frame, and a pole-piece on said electromagnet in position to influence said armature.